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Urner Alps Traverse: Sustli Hut to Engleberg

Engelberg

A great ski summit (Grassen, 2946m) followed by an 1800m N facing descent.

Also in Obwalden, Switzerland

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
8.4 km
Ascent
762 m
Descent
1.9 km
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
1.1 km
High Point
2.9 km
Gradient
48˚
Urner Alps Traverse: Sustli Hut to Engleberg Map

This is a fantastic day to finish your trip, with slightly less climbing and a massive descent, all the way from a high summit 1800m down to the road. From the hut head N, taking the line of least resistance onto the Stossen glacier then upwards to about 2700m before a steep passage leads you through the col above. This is the Stossensattel and the far side of it you head leftwards on a gentle contour to the W. This avoids the more technical ridge above and leads you gently, with one slightly steeper section, to your final summit of Grassen (2946m). It is downhill all the way now to 1150m, on skis all the way (assuming there is enough snow). You are heading NE, then N and NW to get past a rock band, then back NE again, down the Firnalpeli Glacier. There are magnificent views of the huge SE face of Titlis dominating your surroundings. Weave a complex line down, broadly N and NE, making sure you go over as far as Ober Stafeli, as very steep ground lies directly below. Head N past the spur of Chell, then NE again, heading for your river crossing on the bridge marked at 1152m. The road lies just beyond, for a taxi, hitch or walk into Engleberg.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between March and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Glacier kit

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area